MTN Elite U19 Championship: Key Details Revealed

Introduction to the Tournament

The Football Association has made public the framework for the inaugural MTN Elite U19 Championship.

Event Schedule

Set to unfold over 11 days, this tournament will showcase ten teams from various Regional Football Associations (RFAs), taking place from October 23 to November 2, 2025, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence located in Prampram.

Pre-Tournament Activities

Leading up to the championship, a series of events will kick off with a media gathering, official launch, and draw on Tuesday, October 14. This will be followed by a session with stakeholders, scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, where the Organizing Committee will meet with the chairpersons of the ten RFAs to finalize all operational, logistical, and technical aspects for the tournament.

Team Arrival

Teams participating in the championship are required to check in at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence on Thursday, October 23, in preparation for the official start of the event on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Sponsorship and Purpose

Sponsored by the telecommunications leader MTN, the MTN Elite U19 Championship aims to be a cornerstone initiative for youth development, focusing on identifying, nurturing, and promoting young football talent from the grassroots level. The tournament provides a unique opportunity for players from second-division and regional backgrounds to display their skills, gain crucial competitive experience, and attract the attention of national youth squads, top academies, and professional clubs.

Alignment with Development Goals

This championship is a crucial element of the Football Association’s broader strategy known as “Power to the Youth,” aligning with significant national and international football development efforts, which include the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS), the Elite Academies Project, and the Catch Them Young Refereeing Programme.

Significance for Future Stars

The tournament is anticipated to play a vital role in advancing football development within Ghana, bridging the gap between grassroots involvement and high-level performance, while also paving the way for the emergence of the next generation of national football talents.